How to Choose Sleeping Bags for Backpacking

Built to provide a featherlight pack weight and high-performance warmth, the Therm-a-Rest Vesper 32 quilt thrives on your ultralight, backcountry adventures.
Imported.
View all Therm-a-Rest Backpacking Sleeping BagsBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Temperature Rating (F) | 32 degrees (F) |
Temperature Rating (C) | 0 degrees (C) |
Weight | Regular: 15 oz. |
Ultralight | Yes |
Shell | Ripstop nylon |
Insulation Type | Down |
Water-Resistant Down | Yes |
Fill | 900-fill-power Nikwax Hydrophobic down |
Fill Weight | Regular: 9 ounces |
Lining | Ripstop nylon |
Sleeping Bag Shape | Semirectangular |
Fits Up To (in.) | Regular: 72 inches |
Shoulder Girth (in.) | Regular: 58 inches |
Hip Girth (in.) | Regular: 51 inches |
Dimensions | Regular: 75 x 58 inches |
Stuff Sack Size | Regular: 5 x 6 inches |
Stuff Sack Volume | 2.6 liters |
Compressed Volume | 2.6 liters |
Gender | Unisex |
Sustainability | Down certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) |
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Really light. With only baselayers, socks, and a hat on I was warm until about 6am when the temp hit 30. Added another layer the next night and was comfortable all night at similar temps plus rain. I am a warm sleeper but don’t have the best insulated pad, probably would be very warm with a good pad. Stays on the pad fine with the strap. Tried one night with the neck strap and didn’t mind it, doesn’t feel like it’s strangling you when you turn over. Overall, pretty solid for my first weekend use and first quilt. Don’t think I’ll ever go back to mummy bags after trying this.
This is my first foray into ultralight gear. It packs up so small compared to my previous 20deg mummy bag. Literally 1/4 or less in compressed size and weighs near nothing. I was excited for the trail. Backpacking in early October in the Black Hills, I expected 30-40 overnight temps. I got 20deg and 2-3in of snow. This quilt, paired with a NeoAir NXT(R4.5)was put to their limit. It was quite cold until my body finally built up enough warmth and I occasionally got drafts under the sides when tossing but I was “comfortable” if not sweaty at times. I credit this sleep system and my base layer for getting me through the night.
I have used a wide variety of high end, down 850++ mummy bags, but was interested in trying a quilt since I heard it helped with sleeping position. To use this quilt at 32 degree you need an R5 or better pad, and a down hoodie. I used the Therma rest xtherm max and bought a 20 buck down hood from alipexpress.The Vesper has really good loft with 8.5 ounces of 900 down. I like the sewn footbox. The neck snap and draft collar seal nicely but allow you to flip around. The straps for the sides are ok, but require experimentation/attention to ajdust for a good draft seal. We backpacked up 14k Mt. Harvard, CO in 30 degree nightlime temps and I stayed warm. At first I was a bit nervous and piled on layers at first, but gradually stipped them off when I realized I didn't feel any drafts (once I adjust the straps). I really liked the freedom during the middle of the night to turn. I really liked that it weighed only 15 ounces going up a 14k'er!.
I’ve been using this quilt since it first came out, and mostly like it for overnight and summer wknd trips. It’s well-made, and keeps most of the stitching, other than the baffles, on the inside of the bag. It’s a clean, simple design, that works. I haven’t come close to testing it temp rating, but I wouldn’t want to get much close to freezing in just a quilt. I do wish that they’d release a wider size of this ultralight sack tho. It does have tendency to let drafts in around my stomach and shoulders if I’m not lying perfectly on my back. A couple more inches would really help keep it tucked, especially for those of us who like to sleep on our sides.
So light and packs down to a nice, small size. It takes me several minutes to stuff the quilt into the included compression sack, but that's not really a bother. (May be a nuisance on weeklong + trips.) I've only used it once since my purchase when the temp got down to 36 deg. F. Comfort rated at 40 with a 32 limit, I first got hot and woke up thinking I was sweating (I'm guessing the temp would have been just above 40 at that time), then got very cold as the temp bottomed out - used in conjunction with an REI 3-season sleeping pad. Wearing midweight base layer top/bottom, sweat pants, thin hoodie, Marmot coat, and beanie, I warmed back up and slept more comfortably.
I purchased the Vespers 30. I was a bit skeptical when I first opened the package . It seemed so light . It was the first quilt type bag I've owned. After 7 nights use my doubts have pretty well faded. Even with only shorts and a tee shirt , I was comfy warm down to about 45, the coolest night. Definitely fills the bill if you want to keep pack weight down and compresses nicely.
I was nervous using a quilt in cold weather, but this true 15oz quilt proved its worth. I backpacked up and over Mt. Harvard and Mt Bedford, CO in Sept. The temp in the evening was solid 32, and I was never cold. I also used the Therma Rest xtherm max 7.3R pad. The draft collar works great, along the neck and on the sides. The quirks are that the straps are a balance between preserving overall lightweight, but comprising slightly on keeping the sides closed to drafts, I wish they would allow the sides to be pulled in more. The other quirk is that the tab to keep the top closed around your neck is also a bit weak at times.
This quilt packs remarkably small and is warm enough down to mid/low 40's. Great 3-season fast & light solution. Long johns, light puffy and cap will allow some to sleep to rated 32F with a good pad. I like the toe box that keeps the quilt in place down low. Simple straps around mat keep the rest in place. Good width to cover sides of mat, but active sleepers will open gaps in the sides which may let cold air in. Also needs a good shake to distribute the down in the baffles to avoid cold spots. No hood - you need to bring a cap to keep head warm. I'm 5' 10" and couldn't quite wrap the top of the quilt around my head.
The workman ship on this bag is amazing. It's ultralight weight and needs to be taken care of. As long as you are not horrendous on your gear this will last a number of seasons. I don't like how Thermarest doesn't really support their own synergy link straps on their own 25 inch wide pads. Personally, I'd love to commission a Thermarest ultra lite Synergy quilt to attach the vesper, the liner and the 25 inch synergy sheet to a 25 inch pad. I've used this bag down to 36 but dressed in appropriate thermals and the synergy lite sheet on a 25 inch neoair xlite. Great 3-season fast & Super light and compact I'm 5' 10" and built like a rectangle and am very cozy in the regular size.
I have used this 32* bag below 32* with a thin puffy on. I love how comfy and ultralight it is. I’m 5-4 and the Regular has all the room I need and the under-pad straps keep the sides tucked in to prevent drafts. Just washed it with the recommended Nikwax Downwash Direct. Came clean, dried easier and quicker than regular untreated down. I have the 45* Vesper as well. Best quilts I’ve ever had!